Upcoming Departures

The Explorer Pass

Make the most of your winter in Central Alberta with the Explorer Pass. Get out on guided adventures snowshoeing under the stars, hiking to frozen waterfalls and ice walking on ice bubbles. Enjoy some free marshmallows, savings on private tours and activities, local food at the cafe and more. Don’t wait, get your pass now and start exploring. Find out more >

Summer Tours

Summer Tours are available on your schedule, just for yourself or your small group. Pick an adventure below to start planning. Looking to join an upcoming tour instead? Check out The Explorer Series to see what’s coming up.

Winter Tours

Winter Tours are available on your schedule, just for yourself or your small group. Pick an adventure below to start planning. Looking to join an upcoming tour instead? Check out The Explorer Series to see what’s coming up.

Red Deer’s Ski Bus

There’s no easier way to get to the mountains! Kick back and relax as we drive from Red Deer to your favourite resort. Head out for a great day on the slopes. Enjoy a hot chocolate at the bus before letting us take care of the drive home. Find out more >

Upcoming Departures

The Ski Pass

Make the most of your winter with the Ski Pass. Get out on Red Deer’s Ski Bus with 2 free rides, $10 off all winter long and some great deals on guided adventures snowshoeing under the stars, hiking to frozen waterfalls and ice walking on ice bubbles. Don’t wait, get your pass now and start exploring. Find out more >

The most popular summer hike in David Thompson Country and it's even better in the winter! Hike along the Siffleur River with canyons, waterfalls and great views of the Canadian Rockies.

The hike starts on the Kootenay Plains along the North Saskatchewan River before taking us along the Siffleur River. A short uphill section takes us to the top of the canyon where platforms allow us to get great views mount Ernest Ross and the first set of falls on the Siffleur River. The area is particularly dry, making it a great option for a winter hike.

After the hike we're heading out to Preacher's Point out for a short icewalk on Abraham Lake. The now famous methane bubbles make the perfect spot to end the day, enjoying a cup of hot chocolate surrounded by the snow covered mountains.

Lunch, hiking poles, snowshoe rentals (if needed), ice cleats and a professional guide are all included. We offer transportation from Red Deer, Rocky Mountain House and Nordegg or you can meet us at trailhead.

Your Adventure

Highlights

Experience David Thompson Country in its most magical season.

Discover one of the most popular waterfall and canyon in the area.

Enjoy the peace and quiet of the mountains, away from the crowds.

Learn about the natural and human history of the area.

Perfect for: Anybody looking for a fun day playing outside. No prior snowshoe or hiking experience required.

This day trip is open to all ability levels, whether you are a beginner and or an expert. You must be comfortable walking 8+ km in a variety of conditions. This tour is open to those 13 and older.

Tour Overview

The Experience

The Kootenay Plains

The unique warm and dry climate found in this section of the North Saskatchewan River valley make this a very special place.

Very little snow falls here compared to the nearby Icefields Parkway, making the area a very attractive winter habitat for elks, deers and other animals. Indigenous groups and David Thompson have wintered in the area. In the early 1900's Tom Wilson used his ranch on the plains to winter the horses used for tourists in Banff during the summer months.

Today the area's fragile ecosystem is protected as an ecological reserve, the second highest level of environmental protection in the province.

Winter Hiking

The lack of snow, great scenery and minimal elevation gain make the Siffleur Falls trail a great option for those looking to extend their hiking season into the winter months.

Depending on the conditions, you'll be using snowshoes or ice cleats for this adventure. Either option will give you great traction on the trail.

Your guide will share a few tips along the way to help you fall in love with winter.

The Canyon, Frozen Waterfalls and Scenery

Hiking between the Front Range and the Main Range of the Canadian Rockies means enjoying the sights of mountains resembling the Banff area on one side of the valley and Lake Louise on the other side.

Closer to us, the deep canyon with viewing platforms takes your breath away. The first glance comes as the trail meanders from the forest to the edge of a V shaped canyon. From there the canyon narrows and the edges more ragged as we make our way from one viewing platform to another.

At the end of the canyon rest the frozen waterfalls and our destination for a lunch break.

The Food

You'll never leave hungry from one of our tour. Lunch and snacks vary based on the day but you'll find some delicious food from local producers like Big Bend Market, Viva-Deli, Sylvan Star Cheese, Humble Hummus, Beck Farms as well as our own Montreal style bagels and baked goods.

After the hike enjoy a cup of hot chocolate along with housemade marshmallows and graham crackers.

Curious about the food? Stop by our Basecamp + Cafe in Red Deer to find out more.

The Ice Bubbles

Our last stop of the day is at Preacher's Point at the edge of Abraham Lake for a short icewalk to see the famous methane bubbles.

Using the same ice cleats you used on the hike, you'll get to explore the area, hunting for bubbles. Don't worry, your guide knows the best and safest spots to check out.

The bubbles are usually visible from late November to mid-March with the best time to visit being January. Even when they are not visible, the area makes for a great stop with amazing views of Ex Coelis Mountain and quirky ice features.

2018/19 Rates

$110 per person - transportation included

$95 per person - meet at the trailhead option

Guides, snacks, snowshoes, ice cleats and activities are all included. Transportation is available from Red Deer, Rocky Mountain House and Nordegg or you can meet your guide at the Siffleur Falls Staging Area.

Meet at the trailhead: 10:30 am at the Siffleur Falls Staging Area. Get Directions >

Return time varies based on the group and conditions but expect to be back by:

Trailhead: 3:30 pm

Nordegg: 4:30 pm

Rocky Mountain House: 5:30 pm

Red Deer: 6:30 pm

The itinerary may change without notice due to the weather and other factors. Our goal is to always provide the best possible experience.

What do I need to bring?

Be prepared for the mountain weather. Conditions can change quickly and our winter tours run in anything from - 30C to +10C. Abraham Lake is a very windy place, bring an extra layer with you just in case.

Required Items

Winter boots

Appropriate clothing for the weather including long underwear

A winter jacket and snow pants

An extra sweater

Tuque and gloves

A water bottle

A small backpack

Recommended Items

Sunglasses

Camera

Comfy shoes for the drive home

What's Included?

We provide hiking poles, ice cleats and snowshoes (as required) at no charge for this tour.

A professional guide.

Gourmet lunch and hot chocolate.

Guides carry emergency equipment, including first aid kits and cell phone or satellite communicators on all tours.

Book Now

A Few More Things To Know

We get to play outside on our tours and that means you’ll want to come prepared for the weather. Make sure to dress in layers and come prepared for the unpredictable weather we often get in Alberta. We rarely cancel tours due to weather, as long as we can have a safe adventure. You’ll be amazed at how warm we get snowshoeing at -20C or how much fun hiking in the rain can be!

Need help with your booking or have a few more questions? Stop by our Basecamp + Cafe or give us a call at 403 986-6190.

Pictures

Come For A Visit

We're located in Capstone at Riverlands, near the trails of Waskasoo Park and Downtown Red Deer. Stop by to plan your next adventure, rent the gear you need and grab a bite with friends.

While you're in the neighbourhood make sure to check out some of our great neighbours like Wild Brewing Co, Purearth Organics, DOSE Coffee and Troubled Monk Brewery.